Maynard, MA

It appears that lower prices and fewer homes for sale are starting to have a positive effect on the single family housing market in Maynard MA. The spring market has remained very active since April 1st with only 34 active listings down from 54 last year at this time; six of which have accepted offers with contingencies to clear. Additionally, there are 16 single family homes with sales pending; these will close in the next month or two. The median list price for pending sales is $324,200; the average is $323,200; and while we won't know the actual sale prices until closing, we do know that the average list to sale price ratio year-to-date is 92 percent of original list price and 95% of the average reduced list price.

Prices for single-family homes in Maynard range from $111,000 to $599,000; the median list price is $299,900; the average is $335,841. Last year at this time the median list prices was $337,350; the average was $356,850. Time on market is also lower - 118 days down from 131. Year to date, there have been 26 closed sales compared with 20 for the same period last year.

The condo/townhouse market continues to offer good values, but fewer on the market - 25 compared with 33 at this time last year. Prices range from the 170s for apartment-style condos; $199,900 to $298,900 for townhouse re-sales at desirable Deer Hedge Run, Oak Ridge, and Apple Ridge, where there are only 7 available compared with 13 last year at this time; and new construction townhomes starting at $329,000. There have been 7 closed sales so far in 2009 compared with 5 for the same period in 2008.

Those who waited may buy for a lower price, but they may have missed out on some good choices; a lot of sellers are still holding off going on the market. Less supply will eventually will eventually put upward pressure on price; recent sales are already selling close and sometimes above the asking price as there have even been some multiple offers. If you're interested in becoming a home owner in Maynard, be prepared to step-up or you may miss out!

To find out what homes are available in Maynard and the nearby towns west of Boston, visit www.marilynmessenger.com your on-line source for real estate listings, news and information or call Marilyn Messenger, CRS at RE/MAX Landmark Realtors at 508-596-3501 for personal real estate services.

*Data Source - MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network.)

First-time buyers continued to act on the excellent values in Maynard during March and April and single-family homes listed for less than 300K are selling quickly.

Although activity is not yet reflected in closed sales data, there are substantially fewer single family homes for sale than last year at this time - only 35 compared with 67. Of the 35, 7 have accepted offers and are waiting for contingencies to clear. And, there are also 16 single family homes with sales pending - that may not sound like a high number, but given that there have only been 13 closed for all of 2009 so far, it is impressive.

The condo/townhouse market is also starting to move. Again, there are some good values, but fewer on the market - 14 compared with 38 at this time last year. Prices range from the 170s for apartment-style condos; $225,000 to $298,900 for townhouse re-sales at desirable Deer Hedge Run, Oak Ridge, and Apple Ridge, where there are only 4 available compared with 13 last April; and new construction townhomes starting at $329,000. There have been 7 closed sales so far in 2009 compared with 5 for the same period in 2008.

Those who waited may buy for a lower price, but they may have missed out on some good choices as there are only 34 single-family homes, including the eight that already have accepted offers, compared with 59 for sale at this time last year; a lot of sellers are still holding off going on the market. Less supply will eventually will eventually put upward pressure on price. If you're interested in becoming a home-owner in Maynard, be prepared to step-up or you may miss out!

To find out what homes are available in Maynard and the nearby towns west of Boston, visit www.marilynmessenger.com your on-line source for real estate listings, news, information, and market conditions for Maynard, Sudbury, Wayland, Stow, and Weston or call Marilyn Messenger at 508-596-3501 for personal real estate services.

*Data Source - MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network.)

In Maynard, there are currently 8 competing townhomes for sale, spread throughout 3 developments, Oak Ridge, Apple Ridge, and Deer Path. All are in comparable developments, with similar ammenities: pool, tennis, clubhouse and the like.

Apple Ridge

The oldest of the three developments, has considerably larger units (1800sf vs. 1550sf) and is offering the best buys right now. The prices here are ranging from $199,500 - $219,900, with a recent sales price of $201,000 for a comparable unit. All three for sale here need updating, but are turn-key for someone looking to build equity. Each unit is an interior unit, has 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and two of the three have additional half baths.

Deer Path

My second choice for opportunities lies here, with three active listings from $229,000-$259,000. One of these is an end unit, in decent condition. All feature two bedrooms, one and a half baths. Units need varying amounts of updating, but you could find potential hidden here. There are no comparable sales in this development to back up the asking prices, which could work in the buyer's advantage.

Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge has one recent sale on the books, and two units that are currently active. One is a two bed, one and a half bath end unit listed at $259,900. The other is a three bed, one and a half bath interior unit listed at $239,900. The recent sale occurred in November, for $222,000. Keep an eye out for anything entering the market below this price, or for large price drops, as this would be the opportunity here.

There are also a handful of other condos for sale in town, but the ones discussed above are all similar in age, style and amenities. If you are thinking of making a move to one of these three developments, be sure to check out the others and see what is going on there as well.

Condominium living has lots of benefits for lots of people - first time home-buyers, empty-nesters/down-sizers, and anyone who just wants easy living and convenience. Generally, you can get more living space for the same price as a single-family home, developments tend to be newer, and many offer amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, etc. that you probably wouldn't have as a single-family home-owner. Exterior maintenance is taken care of by the homeowner association so you don't have to be concerned about painting, landscaping, snow plowing, etc. If your roof leaks, just call the association.

If you don't mind paying a fee each month, letting other people make decisions for you and following some rules that are there for everyone's benefit - then the easy condominium lifestyle is for you!


If you are looking for easy living, these two townhouse units at Deer Hedge Run in Maynard MA 01754 (just 22 miles west of Boston) starting at $249,000, can't be beat!

Find your next home at www.marilynmessenger.com- complete MLS listings with addresses and maps, new and information to help you plan your move.

tour Maynard - Conveniently located near Sudbury, Concord, Stow, and Acton (MA), Maynard is an easy commute to Waltham, Cambridge, Boston or west to Route 495. A small town of approximately 10,000, Maynard has much to offer. If you haven't been to Maynard come see what you're missing!